Recruiting new members into your Surf Life Saving Club is a vital step in ensuring the club has the right people power behind it. These fact sheets provide information on the key membership activities that clubs may like to implement, along with case studies showcasing practical club examples and resources available.

When planning recruitment activities at your club, conducting a SWOT analysis enables a review of the club’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This analysis highlights where you can focus your energy and attention. Use the table below to brainstorm:

StrengthsInternal Positive Factors e.g. family friendly club

WeaknessesInternal Negative Factors e.g. lack of age managers

OpportunitiesExternal Positive Factors e.g. new housing development

Threats External Negative Factors e.g. sand washing away the beach

Following the SWOT brainstorm, use the identified strengths and weaknesses to develop strategies for the opportunities and threats. The table below provides an overview of this approach.

Opportunities Threats

StrengthsStrength – Opportunity strategiesWhich of the organisation’s strengths can be used to maximise the opportunities you identified?

Strength – Threat strategiesHow can you use the organisation’s strengths to minimise the threats you identified?

Weaknesses

Weakness – Opportunity strategiesWhat actions can you take to minimise the organisation’s weaknesses using the opportunities you identified?

Weakness –Threat strategiesHow can you minimise the organisation’s weaknesses to avoid the threats you identified?

Recruitment Toolkit

Case Study – Cudgen Headland SLSC’s Kids Party and Nipper Sign On Day

Cudgen Headland in conjunction with their Bar and Bistro throw a kids party alongside their Nipper registration day. Nippers run the Open Day and registrations while the Bar and Bistro host a kids party, offering a great opportunity to recruit new members. The kid’s party also provides Nippers the chance to fundraise by running a fairy floss machine and sausage sizzle with product donated by the club’s kitchen suppliers.

Club Hosted Recruitment Events are activities that run within your club to increase membership numbers. Examples can include Come and Try Days, Bring a Friend to the club, Open Days or Lifesaving Showcases.

Events like these encourage the local community (or even farther afield) to come down to the club, check out the facilities and meet and greet your members, whilst having a go at some of the fun activities Surf Life Saving has to offer. These events can be tailored to certain target groups to showcase what they could be involved in i.e. Come and Try (surf sports) for the active minded population, or Bring a friend to Nippers, or an Open Day for families.

Recruitment Factsheet 1 Club Hosted Recruitment Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Set up a planning committee (this would be a great project for younger members)

2. Book the event in your club calendar

3. Plan your day; people, resources, promotional trailer, activities, leaflets and any merchandise

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

On the day

1. Welcome potential members who come to the club

2. Hand out leaflets and merchandise and show them how to participate

3. Collect emails and follow up after the event to say thanks and ask them to join the club

4. Build a database - even if they do not join straight away, keep their email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to ‘like’ your Facebook page for future information

External Community Events are existing events and activities that run within your local and surrounding area and are a prime opportunity to engage non-surf club members and recruit them to your club. These events already have community traffic and are a great way to promote what your club does in the local community.

Finding Local Community Events:

• Visit your local council website and look at the “what’s on” or “upcoming events” sections

• Google local events in your town • Visit timeout.com and search your local area• Search the local newspaper and news • Search local events in Facebook

Suggested Activities for Stall Holders

• For a donation guess how many red and yellow jellybeans are in a jar

• Put your business card in the jar for the chance to participate in a Surf Life Saving Experience

• Have a cardboard tablecloth and get people to write their postcode or suburb down

• Encourage people to take photos with members dressed up as surf lifesavers

• Print some facts about your Surf Life Saving Club onto thought bubbles and stick them on your stall

Recruitment Factsheet 2 External Community Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Find the event/s (some suggested avenues are listed)

2. Book the event by getting in touch with the event organiser (note if fees are charged)

3. Plan your day; people, resources, promotional trailer, activities, leaflets and merchandise

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters * Use the SLSNSW Promotional Trailers to help engage the community at your event

On the day

1. Hand out leaflets, information and merchandise

2. Utilise activities to increase engagement (see examples listed)

3. Collect emails and follow up with them after the event to say thanks and ask they join the club

4. Build a database – even if they do not join straight away, keep email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to like to your Facebook page for future information.

Case Study – Lifesavers with Pride at Mardi Gras Fair Day

Lifesavers with Pride proudly represented Surf Life Saving at the 2019 Mardi Gras Fair Day, an event run in the lead up to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and attended by an estimated 150,000 people!

Fair Day allowed Lifesavers with Pride to spread the message that Surf Life Saving is a safe and welcoming organisation for people who identify as LGBTQI+ who are seeking a community service, sporting or social outlet.Lifesavers with Pride staffed an information stall and joined the Emergency Services Resuscitation event with other emergency services.

Recruitment Factsheet 3Information Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Develop a great presentation with all the details about your club and the benefits of joining

2. Promote the event via social media, local community, schools etc.

3. Plan your event; an enthusiastic presenter, resources, run sheet, catering etc.

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

* The SLSNSW YouTube Channel has lots of great videos which showcase Surf Life Saving

At the Event

1. Hand out leaflets, information and merchandise

2. Encourage attendees to sign up for the next course or club activity

3. Collect emails and follow up with them after the event to say thanks and ask them to join the club

4. Build a database – even if they do not join straight away, keep email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to like to your Facebook page for future information.

Club Information Events are quick sessions that promote Surf Life Saving and explain the various ways adults and young people can get involved. The idea is for potential members to join at the event if possible. Make sure you bring along membership forms, a tablet for online sign ups and sufficient information for members to read and take home.

Information events should be short, easy to get to, and best held at suitable times to your target population i.e. after work hours for Bronze Medallion courses, weekends for Nippers and families.

Case Study – Windang SLSC’s SRC and Bronze information meeting

Windang SLSC host information events at their clubhouse prior to their Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate courses starting, as well as in the lead up to Nippers. These information events provide an opportunity to encourage new members to come to the club, find out more information, clarify any prerequisites and is a chance to meet fellow members. It’s a highly engaging (and low commitment) step for new members to take to join the club!

Recruitment Factsheet 4 Schools and Universities

It is great idea to create partnerships with local schools and universities. These can be formal arrangements e.g. where potential members come to the club and receive surf lifesaving training, education and volunteer opportunities, or informal arrangements such as one-off recruitment talks at universities or distributing flyers through school newsletters or networks.

Templates

• SLSNSW Sponsorship Guide including agreement templates

Planning NotesPlanning Notes1. Find your local schools/TAFE/University (via

Google maps or Department of Education)

2. Communicate with the most appropriate person (PDHPE or Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Student Union Representative etc.)

3. Create an agreement if you are looking at a long-term partnership – consider what each party will provide e.g. 1 Bronze Medallion course per year, a donation of funds, opportunity to promote to their networks

4. Track outcomes to enable you to showcase the value of the partnership e.g. how many Bronze Medallion members, how many hours patrolled/awards attained etc.

Case Study – Camden Haven SLSC and Charles Sturt University

Camden Haven put together a scholarship program with CSU where students joined the Surf Life Saving Club. First and second year students were put through the Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion for a small fee and were asked to contribute 30 hours of volunteer service (which they are required to do as part of their university studies).

Students got the opportunity to complete their volun-teer hours with Camden Haven SLSC, and these new members supported the club’s patrolling require-ments and helped with First Aid events both during and out of season.

https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/match-made-haven

Recruitment Factsheet 5Recruitment Partnerships

Planning NotesPlanning Notes1. Use the suggested list to find appropriate

groups in your local community

2. Ask current members if they are involved in any of these groups and find a local link or contact

3. Communicate to an appropriate contact – send an email, letter or make an appointment

4. Create a welcome to the club for new members – make sure their membership offer is delivered.

Case Study – Garie SLSC recruitment with The Garie Vanguard

Garie Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Sydney Branch, Belgravia Leisure – Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, Swim Sisters, Different Strokes Swimming, and Royal Life Saving Society NSW have partnered together to form The Garie Vanguard.

The Garie Vanguard is a recruitment and inclusion initiative providing communities from Western Sydney the opportunity to complete a pool-supported Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion. Candidates complete an eight-week program at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre and Garie Surf Life Saving Club which is designed to provide them with the skills and knowledge to participate in surf lifesaving activities, progressing from non-swimmers or pool swimmers to surf lifesavers!

It is a great idea to create partnerships with local businesses, sporting groups or community service providers. A mutually beneficial partnership can work where both clubs benefit from additional members, cross organisational training such as First Aid courses or yoga sessions, or discounted membership between the two groups.

Examples include:

• Sports clubs• Local volunteer providers/centres• Local businesses• Emergency Services (SES etc.)• Local gyms• Men’s Sheds• RSLs• Sport and Recreation Centres

Recruiting using media is a great way to promote your club, opportunities, and courses available to potential new members. There are many different types of media including newsletters, posters and flyers, media releases, websites and social media accounts. Media recruitment can be free or paid depending on the platform used.

Recruitment Factsheet 6Media Recruitment

Planning NotesPlanning NotesWhen creating media pieces:

1. Use a powerful, catchy headline

2. Write clearly and concisely; keep the message short and simple

3. Include key messages that will resonate with your target group e.g. family friendly, junior focussed

4. Utilise graphics that will reinforce your club’s brand e.g. logo, photos

5. Highlight contact details e.g. club website

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

* Use the SLSNSW Promotional Trailers to help engage the community at your event

Case Study – Umina Beach SLSC’s “Does the Cap Fit?” Campaign

Umina SLSC has successfully utilised a media campaign highlighting the many opportunities and programs offered to all its members while showcasing the club’s inclusivity. The campaign uses a variety of social tiles to promote the range of pathways available to members from lifesaving, to coaching, or age managing. The tiles have consistent club branding, are clear and concise, and have contributed to an increase in new members.

https://uminaslsc.org.au/cap-fit/

Active Kids is a NSW Government initiative where two $100 vouchers are provided to families to contribute to the cost of their child’s participation in sport and active recreation. The voucher can be redeemed against payment of membership or fees associated with Surf Life Saving Clubs. This is a great tool to increase recruitment of members under 18 years.

Your club may also wish to create an 8-week summer or school holiday Nipper program which encourages new members to come and try surf lifesaving and use their Active Kids vouchers.

For more information on the Active Kids Program or how to redeem vouchers, please visit the Active Kids page on the SLSNSW website.

Recruitment Factsheet 7Active Kids Promotion

Planning NotesPlanning NotesWhen recruiting school-aged children into the surf club, promote that you are an Accredited Active Kids Provider and that vouchers can be used at your club. You can do this through:

• Recruitment flyers and posters • School or community newsletters • Facebook posts and social media tiles • Any recruitment media

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters. Clubs can add Active Kids ‘stickers’ to collateral in the Brand Centre.

Case Study – Cooks Hill SLSC

Cooks Hill SLSC has been an active promoter of the Active Kids Program, promoting the use of the vouchers through their online channels. By encouraging members to bring their Active Kids Voucher to the pop-up Nipper rego open day, it is clear to new and existing members that these vouchers can be used at the club.

Engaging past members is a great way to boost your membership, and with the use of SurfGuard records – much of the hard work is already done for you! A targeted, personalised and positive email can be sent to identified groups (e.g. past active, cadets or associate) asking them to consider re-joining the club this coming season.

Recruitment Factsheet 8

Past Member Engagement

Planning NotesPlanning Notes• Determine which past membership

categories you would like to contact, and when they were archived

• Extract this list from SurfGuard (contact your local Development Officer for support)

• Email these members using the templates provided below, or tailor this to your club. Ensure that you use the Blind Carbon Copy ‘Bcc’ function for the members‘ email addresses.

• You may also wish to send this as an EDM (Electronic Direct Mail) to track click rates and opens (using software such as MailChimp etc.)

Case Study Illawarra Branch

In November 2018, Illawarra Branch initiated several member engagement activities to boost membership across the branch with support from Surf Life Saving NSW. One of these activities was a past member engagement email, where key membership groups were identified including past patrolling members, Nippers and Nipper parents. Emails were sent to members of these groups to remind them that Surf Life Saving is a great part of their community and that they were wanted in clubs across the branch. This resulted in a number of contacts being made online and in person at the club – with past members once again becoming engaged in Surf Life Saving.

With a clear understanding of your club’s position, the following factsheets can assist in running a targeted recruitment campaign at your club. Factsheets include:

• Club Hosted Recruitment Events• External Community Events• Information Events

• Schools and Universities • Recruitment Partnerships • Media Recruitment • Active Kids Promotion • Past Member Engagement

Case Study – Cudgen Headland SLSC’s Kids Party and Nipper Sign On Day

Cudgen Headland in conjunction with their Bar and Bistro throw a kids party alongside their Nipper registration day. Nippers run the Open Day and registrations while the Bar and Bistro host a kids party, offering a great opportunity to recruit new members. The kid’s party also provides Nippers the chance to fundraise by running a fairy floss machine and sausage sizzle with product donated by the club’s kitchen suppliers.

Club Hosted Recruitment Events are activities that run within your club to increase membership numbers. Examples can include Come and Try Days, Bring a Friend to the club, Open Days or Lifesaving Showcases.

Events like these encourage the local community (or even farther afield) to come down to the club, check out the facilities and meet and greet your members, whilst having a go at some of the fun activities Surf Life Saving has to offer. These events can be tailored to certain target groups to showcase what they could be involved in i.e. Come and Try (surf sports) for the active minded population, or Bring a friend to Nippers, or an Open Day for families.

Recruitment Factsheet 1 Club Hosted Recruitment Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Set up a planning committee (this would be a great project for younger members)

2. Book the event in your club calendar

3. Plan your day; people, resources, promotional trailer, activities, leaflets and any merchandise

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

On the day

1. Welcome potential members who come to the club

2. Hand out leaflets and merchandise and show them how to participate

3. Collect emails and follow up after the event to say thanks and ask them to join the club

4. Build a database - even if they do not join straight away, keep their email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to ‘like’ your Facebook page for future information

External Community Events are existing events and activities that run within your local and surrounding area and are a prime opportunity to engage non-surf club members and recruit them to your club. These events already have community traffic and are a great way to promote what your club does in the local community.

Finding Local Community Events:

• Visit your local council website and look at the “what’s on” or “upcoming events” sections

• Google local events in your town • Visit timeout.com and search your local area• Search the local newspaper and news • Search local events in Facebook

Suggested Activities for Stall Holders

• For a donation guess how many red and yellow jellybeans are in a jar

• Put your business card in the jar for the chance to participate in a Surf Life Saving Experience

• Have a cardboard tablecloth and get people to write their postcode or suburb down

• Encourage people to take photos with members dressed up as surf lifesavers

• Print some facts about your Surf Life Saving Club onto thought bubbles and stick them on your stall

Recruitment Factsheet 2 External Community Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Find the event/s (some suggested avenues are listed)

2. Book the event by getting in touch with the event organiser (note if fees are charged)

3. Plan your day; people, resources, promotional trailer, activities, leaflets and merchandise

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters * Use the SLSNSW Promotional Trailers to help engage the community at your event

On the day

1. Hand out leaflets, information and merchandise

2. Utilise activities to increase engagement (see examples listed)

3. Collect emails and follow up with them after the event to say thanks and ask they join the club

4. Build a database – even if they do not join straight away, keep email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to like to your Facebook page for future information.

Case Study – Lifesavers with Pride at Mardi Gras Fair Day

Lifesavers with Pride proudly represented Surf Life Saving at the 2019 Mardi Gras Fair Day, an event run in the lead up to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and attended by an estimated 150,000 people!

Fair Day allowed Lifesavers with Pride to spread the message that Surf Life Saving is a safe and welcoming organisation for people who identify as LGBTQI+ who are seeking a community service, sporting or social outlet.Lifesavers with Pride staffed an information stall and joined the Emergency Services Resuscitation event with other emergency services.

Recruitment Factsheet 3Information Events

Planning NotesPlanning NotesBefore the event

1. Develop a great presentation with all the details about your club and the benefits of joining

2. Promote the event via social media, local community, schools etc.

3. Plan your event; an enthusiastic presenter, resources, run sheet, catering etc.

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

* The SLSNSW YouTube Channel has lots of great videos which showcase Surf Life Saving

At the Event

1. Hand out leaflets, information and merchandise

2. Encourage attendees to sign up for the next course or club activity

3. Collect emails and follow up with them after the event to say thanks and ask them to join the club

4. Build a database – even if they do not join straight away, keep email addresses and advertise your next event/course OR get them to like to your Facebook page for future information.

Club Information Events are quick sessions that promote Surf Life Saving and explain the various ways adults and young people can get involved. The idea is for potential members to join at the event if possible. Make sure you bring along membership forms, a tablet for online sign ups and sufficient information for members to read and take home.

Information events should be short, easy to get to, and best held at suitable times to your target population i.e. after work hours for Bronze Medallion courses, weekends for Nippers and families.

Case Study – Windang SLSC’s SRC and Bronze information meeting

Windang SLSC host information events at their clubhouse prior to their Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate courses starting, as well as in the lead up to Nippers. These information events provide an opportunity to encourage new members to come to the club, find out more information, clarify any prerequisites and is a chance to meet fellow members. It’s a highly engaging (and low commitment) step for new members to take to join the club!

Recruitment Factsheet 4 Schools and Universities

It is great idea to create partnerships with local schools and universities. These can be formal arrangements e.g. where potential members come to the club and receive surf lifesaving training, education and volunteer opportunities, or informal arrangements such as one-off recruitment talks at universities or distributing flyers through school newsletters or networks.

Templates

• SLSNSW Sponsorship Guide including agreement templates

Planning NotesPlanning Notes1. Find your local schools/TAFE/University (via

Google maps or Department of Education)

2. Communicate with the most appropriate person (PDHPE or Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Student Union Representative etc.)

3. Create an agreement if you are looking at a long-term partnership – consider what each party will provide e.g. 1 Bronze Medallion course per year, a donation of funds, opportunity to promote to their networks

4. Track outcomes to enable you to showcase the value of the partnership e.g. how many Bronze Medallion members, how many hours patrolled/awards attained etc.

Case Study – Camden Haven SLSC and Charles Sturt University

Camden Haven put together a scholarship program with CSU where students joined the Surf Life Saving Club. First and second year students were put through the Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion for a small fee and were asked to contribute 30 hours of volunteer service (which they are required to do as part of their university studies).

Students got the opportunity to complete their volun-teer hours with Camden Haven SLSC, and these new members supported the club’s patrolling require-ments and helped with First Aid events both during and out of season.

https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/match-made-haven

Recruitment Factsheet 5Recruitment Partnerships

Planning NotesPlanning Notes1. Use the suggested list to find appropriate

groups in your local community

2. Ask current members if they are involved in any of these groups and find a local link or contact

3. Communicate to an appropriate contact – send an email, letter or make an appointment

4. Create a welcome to the club for new members – make sure their membership offer is delivered.

Case Study – Garie SLSC recruitment with The Garie Vanguard

Garie Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Sydney Branch, Belgravia Leisure – Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, Swim Sisters, Different Strokes Swimming, and Royal Life Saving Society NSW have partnered together to form The Garie Vanguard.

The Garie Vanguard is a recruitment and inclusion initiative providing communities from Western Sydney the opportunity to complete a pool-supported Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion. Candidates complete an eight-week program at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre and Garie Surf Life Saving Club which is designed to provide them with the skills and knowledge to participate in surf lifesaving activities, progressing from non-swimmers or pool swimmers to surf lifesavers!

It is a great idea to create partnerships with local businesses, sporting groups or community service providers. A mutually beneficial partnership can work where both clubs benefit from additional members, cross organisational training such as First Aid courses or yoga sessions, or discounted membership between the two groups.

Examples include:

• Sports clubs• Local volunteer providers/centres• Local businesses• Emergency Services (SES etc.)• Local gyms• Men’s Sheds• RSLs• Sport and Recreation Centres

Recruiting using media is a great way to promote your club, opportunities, and courses available to potential new members. There are many different types of media including newsletters, posters and flyers, media releases, websites and social media accounts. Media recruitment can be free or paid depending on the platform used.

Recruitment Factsheet 6Media Recruitment

Planning NotesPlanning NotesWhen creating media pieces:

1. Use a powerful, catchy headline

2. Write clearly and concisely; keep the message short and simple

3. Include key messages that will resonate with your target group e.g. family friendly, junior focussed

4. Utilise graphics that will reinforce your club’s brand e.g. logo, photos

5. Highlight contact details e.g. club website

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters

* Use the SLSNSW Promotional Trailers to help engage the community at your event

Case Study – Umina Beach SLSC’s “Does the Cap Fit?” Campaign

Umina SLSC has successfully utilised a media campaign highlighting the many opportunities and programs offered to all its members while showcasing the club’s inclusivity. The campaign uses a variety of social tiles to promote the range of pathways available to members from lifesaving, to coaching, or age managing. The tiles have consistent club branding, are clear and concise, and have contributed to an increase in new members.

https://uminaslsc.org.au/cap-fit/

Active Kids is a NSW Government initiative where two $100 vouchers are provided to families to contribute to the cost of their child’s participation in sport and active recreation. The voucher can be redeemed against payment of membership or fees associated with Surf Life Saving Clubs. This is a great tool to increase recruitment of members under 18 years.

Your club may also wish to create an 8-week summer or school holiday Nipper program which encourages new members to come and try surf lifesaving and use their Active Kids vouchers.

For more information on the Active Kids Program or how to redeem vouchers, please visit the Active Kids page on the SLSNSW website.

Recruitment Factsheet 7Active Kids Promotion

Planning NotesPlanning NotesWhen recruiting school-aged children into the surf club, promote that you are an Accredited Active Kids Provider and that vouchers can be used at your club. You can do this through:

• Recruitment flyers and posters • School or community newsletters • Facebook posts and social media tiles • Any recruitment media

* Use the SLSNSW Brand Centre to create promotional flyers, event overviews, leaflets or posters. Clubs can add Active Kids ‘stickers’ to collateral in the Brand Centre.

Case Study – Cooks Hill SLSC

Cooks Hill SLSC has been an active promoter of the Active Kids Program, promoting the use of the vouchers through their online channels. By encouraging members to bring their Active Kids Voucher to the pop-up Nipper rego open day, it is clear to new and existing members that these vouchers can be used at the club.

Engaging past members is a great way to boost your membership, and with the use of SurfGuard records – much of the hard work is already done for you! A targeted, personalised and positive email can be sent to identified groups (e.g. past active, cadets or associate) asking them to consider re-joining the club this coming season.

Recruitment Factsheet 8

Past Member Engagement

Planning NotesPlanning Notes• Determine which past membership

categories you would like to contact, and when they were archived

• Extract this list from SurfGuard (contact your local Development Officer for support)

• Email these members using the templates provided below, or tailor this to your club. Ensure that you use the Blind Carbon Copy ‘Bcc’ function for the members‘ email addresses.

• You may also wish to send this as an EDM (Electronic Direct Mail) to track click rates and opens (using software such as MailChimp etc.)

Case Study Illawarra Branch

In November 2018, Illawarra Branch initiated several member engagement activities to boost membership across the branch with support from Surf Life Saving NSW. One of these activities was a past member engagement email, where key membership groups were identified including past patrolling members, Nippers and Nipper parents. Emails were sent to members of these groups to remind them that Surf Life Saving is a great part of their community and that they were wanted in clubs across the branch. This resulted in a number of contacts being made online and in person at the club – with past members once again becoming engaged in Surf Life Saving.

Past Patrolling MembersActive 18+ and award members, long service, past active, reserve active

Subject Line: Surf Life Saving wants you back

Dear <Name>,

As a previous member of Surf Life Saving <club name>, we wanted to reach out and invite you back down to the beach this summer.

Your past patrolling service was greatly valued and we need more members like you to join us on the beach and help keep beachgoers safe. We have had a number of rescues over the past few summers, and are aiming to be proactive in our approach to beach safety.

We are running our proficiencies and award courses in the coming weeks – and to find out how to bring your skills up to date and industry qualified you can check out the flowchart here. If you are looking to re-join and keep your toes dry – why not consider joining the training team, taking on a club position or offering your support as an associate member?

We would love to see you back at the club this summer – click here to re-join online today!

For more information, please don’t hesitate to check out the club website or get in touch with us directly.

Signature Surf Life Saving Position Holder

Past Nippers

Subject Line: Beach Patrol is calling

Dear <Name>,

Remember your Nipper days? Well, <club name> Surf Life Saving Club wants you back to patrol the beach this summer and keep the beach safe! Many take a break leave to try other sports, focus on school or because their friends were doing different things. Now that you are a bit older, we would love to reintroduce you to the club and show you the great things that you can now be part of at the club.

Did you ever want to join a patrol, drive the IRB or make a positive change in the community? Now is your chance. We want to welcome you back to the beach, and share with you the epic opportunities that we would love you to be part of.

To find out more check out our website or get in touch with us directly – we would love to have a chat and see you on the beach. Click here to re-join online today.

Signature Surf Life Saving Position Holder

Recruitment Factsheet 8Continued

Being a Welcoming Club

A strong membership base is important for clubs to grow and develop, so attracting new members and retaining the members you have should be a top priority. How new and current members view your club and its culture is very important.

It can be difficult for people to join a club, especially if they have a preconceived idea about what the club is like (whether those beliefs are true or not). So, it’s crucial to show both new and current members that yours is a welcoming and inclusive club, with a positive club culture.

What is a club’s culture?

A club’s culture is made up of the values and beliefs of all its members. A positive culture is where members and volunteers feel appreciated, supported and part of the movement. This is what will help attract members and volunteers.

What is an ‘inclusive’ club?

Inclusive clubs welcome everyone, no matter their age, gender, race, sexuality or ability. They make sure all members can participate at the level they choose. At an inclusive club, the environment is friendly and safe and free

from any form of harassment or discrimination.

So you have people interested. What’s next? Welcome your members!

How can you be a welcoming club?

Questions to ask yourself:

• How do they contact you? (Website, phone, social media)

• Is it clear who they need to contact?• Will enquiries have a fast response? (if not set an

automatic response to let them know when they will hear back)

• What sort of introduction will they get to the club?• What beliefs or barriers might they have?• Do they know what to expect?• Now consider those answers from different perspectives:

a child/young person, an Indigenous person, someone with a disability, someone for whom English is not their first language and someone who identifies as LGBTQI+.

Do you have a Welcoming Officer?

It may be helpful to have a key person within the club who looks after new members, they may officially welcome them, induct them and offer support and advice. Having a key person to look after this may relieve pressure from other members or the committee.

There are many ways you can get your club ready for new members. Talk to your local Development Officer for support in appointing a Welcoming Officer, creating a members handbook, inducting new members and really making your club the best club it can be.